April 23, 2008

Box Score

CHICAGO - Amy Solava did not allow an earned run and struck out five in a complete-game effort, but Loyola University Chicago (15-18) was unable to generate much offense and dropped a heartbreaking, 1-0 decision at No. 23 DePaul (35-14) this afternoon at Cacciatore Stadium. The loss snaps the Ramblers' three-game winning streak and halts Solava's personal five-game winning streak.

The game was a classic pitcher's duel between Solava and DePaul's Becca Heteniak as the teams combined for eight hits in the eight-inning affair. DePaul had the best chance to get on the board first, loading the bases in the bottom of the fourth inning. However, Solava got Stephanie Blagaich to line out to shortstop Haley Ambrosch to squelch the threat.

Loyola had a pair of golden scoring opportunities itself, in the sixth and eighth innings, but was unable to break through against Heteniak, who allowed only two hits and struck out 11 Ramblers on the afternoon. In both of those innings, Loyola had a runner on second base with one out but was unable to advance the runner.

In the bottom of the eighth, DePaul mounted its game-winning rally with two outs when Sean Plese reached on an error and came around to score on Marcy Wilus' RBI double into the gap in left center.

Lindsay O'Gean doubled and Stephanie Cihlar singled to provide Loyola's only hits on the afternoon.

The Ramblers look to bounce back tomorrow when they continue action against BIG EAST foes, this time traveling to Notre Dame for a doubleheader.